Which two medications are used to treat alcohol use disorder?

• A. Naltrexone and Acamprosate
• B. Disulfiram and Naltrexone
• C. Pharmacotherapy not used
• D. Methadone and Buprenorphine

Answer: (A)

Medications for alcohol use disorder aim to reduce craving and relapse by modulating brain pathways involved in reward and withdrawal. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, which dampens the rewarding effects of alcohol and helps limit heavy drinking and relapse. Acamprosate helps stabilize brain signaling during early abstinence by modulating glutamate activity, supporting continued abstinence after detox. Together, these two have strong evidence as effective pharmacotherapies for AUD, with different mechanisms that can suit various patient needs. Disulfiram acts as an aversive deterrent and requires strict adherence, but is not as broadly effective in practice; methadone and buprenorphine treat opioid use disorder, not alcohol.